Julian, California

Spring Blossoms in Julian

Sometimes you just need to escape for a day. I love Los Angeles and I’ve been here for nine year, but there are times where you just want to be elsewhere. Also, pie. Yes, pie. Sometimes you need pie. Good pie. Great pie. Amazing pie. And that, THAT is where Julian, California comes into play.

A friend from San Diego told me about Julian, a place where he’d go as a kid and see snow and eat pie. Snow? Pie? Sold! So after hearing about this mecca we jumped in the car and trekked three hours to the mountains above San Diego.

Julian is a tiny little town, known for its pies and for all things apple, especially cider of both the alcoholic and nonalcoholic varieties. To describe Julian as quaint barely does it justice. Both times I’ve been there, there has been a Llama on a leash walking up and down the main street. There is also an adorable spot (Julian Cottage Arts) that does afternoon tea in a little nook in their shop (which sells all things tea oriented). If you’re a Gilmore Girls fan, this is Southern California’s answer to Stars Hollow. I can just see Taylor planning the daily reenactments of Gold Rush antics or organizing the yearly living nativity.

So, go to Julian and explore and DO NOT forget to get pie from The Julian Pie Company. My absolute favorites are the Dutch Apple and the Strawberry/Rhubarb. Everyone I have shared this pie with is a convert. The place is magic.

Here are some favorite shots:

*if you like beer, they also have an excellent brewery on the outskirts of town (Nickel Brewery)